Overseas horses have been dominating the Melbourne Cup in the last 10 years and a locally trained horse could buck the trend this year.
Vow And Declare is the stayer that could well win the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
The exciting 4YO is ready to go one better than he did in the Caulfield Cup according to his trainer Danny O’Brien.
Vow And Declare ran second to Mer De Glace in the Caulfield Cup after the winner drifted in on Vow And Declare in the straight.
The Declaration Of War gelding had showcase his staying potential during the winter carnival with a close 2nd in the Queensland Derby before taking out the Group 3 Tatt’s Cup over 3000m.
Vow And Declare came back in terrific order this campaign with a good 4th when 1st up in the Turnbull Stakes. And last start in the Caulfield Cup, he has beaten all but Mer De Glace.
Vow And Declare put in an impressive piece of work last Tuesday morning. He worked over a mile and he ran quite slick sectionals over the final 400m and 200m and goes into the Melbourne Cup fit but also fresh, and he will have no problem handling 3200m. He has only been allotted 52kg and the Soft condition shouldn’t worry him either. From the tricky barrier 21, Craig Williams will slice him across and settle a bit worse than mid-field. With pretty good pace in the race, Vow And Declare will be able to run home strongly.
The Chris Waller-trained Finche is on target to be in the finish in the Melbourne Cup. This 6YO has a faultless albeit unlucky preparation. Though having drawn a wide gate (15) in the Caulfield Cup and was caught deep along the whole trip, Finche did hit the front at the 300m before weakening to finish 5th. Drawn much better in the Cup in gate 4, Finche will get a lovely run in transit settling just behind the leading bunch and he will be at his absolute peak being 5th up on Tuesday.
Last year’s Cup third placegetter Prince Of Arran will again be fighting out the finish this year. The 7YO has a great record on Australian soil having never missed a place from 5 starts. He won the Hotham Handicap last year before his placing in the Melbourne Cup. And he seems to be going even better this year by taking out the Geelong Cup in brilliantly fashion to earn his spot in the Cup. And he isn’t harshly treated being given 54kg (including 1kg penalty). Michael Walker knows the horse well and Prince of Arran could easily finish in the top 3.
Editor’s tip:
1st – Vow And Declare
2nd – Finche
3rd – Prince Of Arran
4th – Southern France
